Irish tourists have been advised against all non-essential travel to Tunisia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has described the situation there as unpredictable with a potential for violence to flare up. It said there was a risk of people getting caught up in demonstrations if they visited the country.

About 20 Irish tourists, who were holidaying in Tunisia with tour operator Thomas Cook, were flown to Gatwick and Manchester airports yesterday. The company does not run any direct charter flights between Ireland and Tunisia at this time of year.

Almost all of the company's 1,800 British and Irish holiday makers have now been evacuated and the company has cancelled flights that were due to depart tomorrow.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said last night that it had accounted for all of the 50 Irish citizens who are permanent residents of Tunisia and are registered with Ireland's honourary consul there.